The build-up to Manchester City’s opening goal against Leeds United divided opinion after Jesse Marsh claimed Stuart Dallas’ tackle was a fair one. Leeds United were beaten 4-0 by Pep Guardiola’s side after two set-piece goals from Rodri and Nathan Ake were followed by late strikes from Brazilian duo Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho.
The four-goal gap flattered the league leaders, with Jesse Marsch’s men producing a spirited and committed performance, albeit one that lacked quality both defensively and going forward. Leeds hustled and harried City, forcing them into mistakes and keeping them some way from their poetic best.
But when Dallas was pulled up for a foul on Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden’s free-kick was met by the advancing Rodri who glanced a header into Illan Meslier’s bottom corner. The Northern-Ireland international flew into a few tackles - eventually suffering a potentially season-ending injury as a result - but seemed to at least get a glancing touch on the ball before making contact with Sterling.
